I never grew up with horses, like from the time I could walk. I started riding when I was 10 and got hooked. Most of us who get involved with horses don't ever let go of them. We don't stop riding or stop looking at horses for sale. We love going to the barn at the crack of dawn or late at night. Horses just consume a part of us and never leave. We form our lives around these horses -- even our dog's life.
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This is a life that chose me the day I saw a pony for my kindergarten picture day. I was hooked and I wouldn't have it any other way. The first thing people say to me when I tell them I ride horses is "Wow, bad-ass." I like to think as myself as a bad-ass. I mean, guys, we put our lives in the hands of a 1,000 pound animal each day we ride them. That takes a lot of guts.
I do admit, the majority of photos on my phone are of horses, but that's fine with me. I love looking at the memories I captured of the horses I've worked with. But in reference to my life, horses pretty much run it most of the time. I get up at 6 a.m. twice a week to ride at 8 a.m., which is a plus because I get to watch the sun rise and see the mountains peak out from the clouds.
I own horse movies, yes. Most of my clothes are used for riding, and I own like four different types of boots that I wear to the barn. I am the average horse girl -- except I don't wear shirts that say "I love horses" or shirts with horses on them. We primarily wear equestrian brands or team gear.
For me, I like equestrian-type decor. My living room has a fox hunting painting on the wall, a horseshoe for luck above the door, and some wooden horse tablets on the bathroom wall. My decor is not overloaded with horses, but it is at a good level to show that you are entering the home of an equestrian. Our homes don't look like horses threw up everywhere; it is very tasteful and chic.
My message to you, my readers, is to not judge an equestrian by the stereotype of an obsessed, horse-crazy girl. We're not all like that. We see our horses as family, but also as regal creatures that trust in us to take them on the right path to success. That's a lifestyle, not just a hobby.
